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AlphaSmart Pro September 29, 2007

Posted by alan in : tech, writing , comments closed

Recently I acquired the use of a used AlphaSmart Pro. Initially it seemed like an outdated device that I would have little use for, especially considering that I already have two laptop computers. As I started playing with the AlphaSmart I realized that it does serve a purpose that the laptops cannot easily fill. The AlphaSmart is an excellent tool for writing first drafts. It is light-weight, rugged and runs for approximately 200 hours on two AA batteries. The device is also instant on — flip the switch and be writing in about three seconds. When I sit down with a laptop I usually find myself reading news online, programming or working on countless other projects. It can be too easy to become distracted with the computer at hand. The AlphaSmart is only good for writing — nothing else to distract! The device provides eight separate note files, each selectable via function keys. Sixty four pages total. I figure I can use the AlphaSmart for writing blog snippets on the go, and other general writing tasks that come up. This would also be a great tool for technical writers, as it would be easy to carry it around to grab notes while talking to people or writing a first draft of assembly instructions in a lab setting. Saving your first drafts is very easy. The AlphaSmart Pro connects to the keyboard input on any computer. After connecting, hit the Send Key and the AlphaSmart actually types the information into an open computer program. Save the file on the computer, clear the AlphaSmart and it is ready for the next series of first drafts. It seems like the perfect writing tool! Actually, I’ve just started using the AlphaSmart so it will be interesting to see if it seems like the perfect writing tool after I’ve played with it a few weeks. The AlphaSmart Pro is available on Ebay for about $20, and there are newer versions of the device available if the AlphaSmart Pro seems too limiting. There’s even an AlphaSmart discussion group at Flickr with lots of interesting discussion on how people use their AlphaSmart for writing.